Device for connecting at least two fishing lines together

Abstract

Device for connecting together at least two fishing lines, comprising: a main body having the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle (10) and a first and a second branch (20, 30), a first lug (22) projecting at the end of the first branch (20), a second lug (32) projecting at the end of the second branch (30), a first wedging means (24) configured to wed a line in position, the first wedging means (24) being located at the first branch (20), a second wedging means (26) configured to wed a line in position, the second wedging means (26) being located at the first branch (20), a third wedging means (14) configured to wed a line in position, the third wedging means (14) being located at the handle of the device (10), wherein the first and second wedging means (24,26) are located at the same level as the first branch (20) and on either side of the main plane of the main body. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Device for connecting at least two fishing lines together

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting at least two fishing lines together.

[0002] Fishermen are known to use knots of varying complexity and strength. The knot is an essential tool for fishing in both fresh and salt water. Fishing lines and hooks have been used for centuries by fishermen to catch fresh and salt water fish. Hooks are usually attached to a line or lure by some form of knot, which ultimately connects the caught fish to the fisherman.

[0003] Modern fishing lines are almost all made from artificial substances, including nylon, polyethylene, Dacron, etc. The most common type of fishing line consists of a braided line connecting the lure to the rod and a leader made of either nylon or, most often, fluorocarbon.

[0004] Unlike nylon, braided line has no elasticity. The vibrations of the lure are directly transmitted to the rod and the wrist of the angler who can feel the lure at the end of the braided line. Braid also provides good bite detection and better hooking.

[0005] It is generally recommended to have a leader made of either nylon or fluorocarbon because the braided line is generally visible to fish and does not necessarily offer very high abrasion resistance. It is generally preferable to use a leader made of fluorocarbon, a monofilament made of polyvinylidene fluoride, preferably 100% polyvinylidene fluoride. Fluorocarbon has many advantages over nylon. In particular, greater discretion thanks to a refractive index closer to that of water than nylon. Fluorocarbon does not have shape memory and is also denser and offers greater abrasion resistance than nylon.

[0006] Using a braided line and a leader, for example fluorocarbon, has a number of advantages for fishing but requires connecting the braided line and leader together. Connecting the braided line and leader is usually done using very sophisticated knots that require great skill and agility to make.

[0007] The fisherman may have to make a knot allowing the connection of a braided line and a leader in difficult conditions, for example when on board a moving boat.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a means of simplifying the making of fishing knots, in particular making it possible to connect together at least two fishing lines, for example a braid and a fluorocarbon leader.

[0009] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a device for connecting at least two fishing lines together in a simple and secure manner.

[0010] The invention relates to a device for connecting at least two fishing lines together, comprising:

[0011] - a main body having the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle and a first and a second branch,

[0012] - a first lug projecting at the end of the first branch,

[0013] - a second protruding lug at the end of the second branch,

[0014] - a first wedging means configured to wedging a wire in position, the first means of wedging being located at the level of the first branch,

[0015] - a second wedging means configured to wedging a wire in position, the second wedging means being located at the level of the first branch,

[0016] - a third wedging means configured to wedging a wire in position, the third means of wedging being located at the handle of the device,

[0017] in which the first and second wedging means are located at the same level of the first branch and on either side of the main plane of the main body.

[0018] Advantageously, the device according to the invention makes it possible to hold the two fishing lines to be connected together while the knot is being made.

[0019] The device according to the invention makes it very easy to make a knot called an Albright knot. Advantageously, the device according to the invention allows other knots ensuring high resistance to tension and good passage through the rings of fishing rods.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the device further comprises a fourth wedging means configured to wedging a wire in position, the fourth wedging means being located at the second branch and on the same side of the main plane of the main body as the third wedging means.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the device further comprises a fifth wedging means configured to wedging a wire in position, the fifth wedging means being located at the second branch on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body than the third wedging means.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the fourth and fifth wedging means are located at the same level of the second branch.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a sixth wedging means configured to wedging a wire in position, the sixth wedging means being located at the same level of the handle of the device as the third wedging means. wedging and on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body than the third wedging means.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second lugs have substantially the same dimensions.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the first lug has a bent shape in the direction opposite to that of the second branch.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the second lug has a bent shape in the direction opposite to that of the first branch.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second lugs are spaced apart by a distance greater than or equal to 15 mm, for example greater than or equal to 17 mm, and less than or equal to 60 mm, for example less than or equal to 40 mm, for example less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the wedging means are formed from circular wedging cones.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the wedging means each comprise a truncated circular cone, the small base of the truncated circular cone being mounted in compression against the main body.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle formed between the main plane of the main body and the small base of the truncated circular cone is greater than or equal to 3°, for example greater than or equal to 4°, for example greater than or equal to 6° and less than or equal to 15°, for example less than or equal to 12°, for example less than or equal to 8°.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the wedging means each comprise two truncated circular cones opposed by their small base, one attached to the main body and the other independent and mounted in compression against the main body.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the two branches of the fork (20, 30) have a “C” shape on either side of the handle.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the main body is in one piece.

[0034] The invention may be better understood by reading the following description of a non-limiting example of its implementation and by examining the attached drawing in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] is a representation of a device according to the invention,

[0036] [Fig.2] is a representation of a face of a device according to the invention,

[0037] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of wedging means of a device according to the invention, and

[0038] [Fig.4] illustrates the handling by a user of a device according to the invention.

[0039] The invention relates to a device for connecting two fishing lines together. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for connecting a braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. However, the device according to the invention can also be used to connect a braid to a nylon leader or to connect two lines of the same type, for example two braid lines or two fluorocarbon lines or two nylon lines.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device according to the invention comprises a main body. The main body has the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle 10 and a first and a second branch 20, 30.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the main body is a single piece. The main body is obtained for example by means of an injection molding process. Typically, the main body of the device according to the invention is made of polycarbonate.

[0042] The handle 10 is particularly suitable for gripping the device according to the invention. According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle 10 has a width greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 70 mm, for example equal to approximately 50 mm at its junction with the branches 20 and 30.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the handle 10 has an ergonomic shape making it possible to provide a very good grip. For example, the handle 10 has a width which decreases as it moves away from the forks, going from approximately 50 mm at the branches to approximately 18 mm at its end. Furthermore, the handle 10 may also comprise a curvature in the main plane of the main body, for example a radius of curvature of approximately 200 mm.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first and second branches 20 and 30 have a “C” shape on either side of the handle 10. According to one embodiment, the base of the “C” shape has a radius of curvature of the order of 60 mm and the two ends on “C” forming the two arms of the fork have radii of curvature of the order of 12.5 mm.

[0045] Preferably, the main body of the device according to the invention is a single-piece. Advantageously, this makes it possible to increase the strength of the device by avoiding wear due to the conditions of use of the device which may be difficult, for example on board a boat at sea.

[0046] The main body of the device may comprise a non-slip element 40, for example at the junction between the handle 10 and the forks 20 and 30, at the base of the “C” shape of the forks. Advantageously, this ensures a better grip of the device according to the invention and better holding of the threads while making the knots. The grip of the device is illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device according to the invention comprises a first lug 22 projecting at the end of the first branch 20 and a second lug 32 projecting at the end of the second branch 30.

[0048] In order to facilitate the manufacture of the device and also to allow use by both the left and right hand, the first and second lugs 22, 32 have roughly the same dimensions.

[0049] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the first lug has a bent shape in the opposite direction to that of the second branch. In particular, the first lug may have a profile in the main plane of the main body in the shape of an “S”, with substantially the same curvatures. According to one embodiment, the curvatures of the “S” forming the first lug are each greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 1.3 mm, for example substantially equal to 1 mm.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the second lug has a bent shape in the opposite direction to that of the second branch. In particular, the second lug may have a profile in the main plane of the main body in the shape of an “S”, with substantially the same curvatures. According to one embodiment, the curvatures of the “S” forming the second lug are each greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 1.3 mm, for example substantially equal to 1 mm.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second lug has a bent shape in the direction opposite to that of the first branch.

[0052] As illustrated in the figures, the first and second lugs are spaced apart to allow loops to be made with the fishing lines to be connected. For example, the distance between the two lugs is greater than or equal to 15 mm, for example greater than or equal to 17 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm, for example less than or equal to 40 mm. According to one embodiment, the two lugs are separated by approximately 20 mm.

[0053] In order to allow the fishing lines to be held in place while the connecting knot is being made, the device according to the invention comprises wedging means.

[0054] In particular, the device according to the invention comprises at least:

[0055] - a first wedging means 24 configured to wedging a wire in position, the first wedging means 24 being located at the first branch 20,

[0056] - a second wedging means 26 configured to weave a wire in position, the second wedging means 26 being located at the first branch 20,

[0057] - a third wedging means 14 configured to wedging a wire in position, the third wedging means 14 being located at the handle of the device 10.

[0058] In order to allow a loop to be maintained in tension with at least one of the wires to be connected, the first and second wedging means 24, 26 are located at the same level of the first branch 20 and on either side of the main plane of the main body.

[0059] An example of first and second wedging means 24 and 26 is shown in section in [Fig.3].

[0060] As shown in [Fig.3] the wedging means may be formed of circular wedging cones.

[0061] The wedging means each comprise a truncated circular cone, the small base of the truncated circular cone being mounted in compression against the main body, for example against the handle 10 or one of the branches 20 and 30. Such a configuration of the wedging means is particularly suitable for allowing the threads to be kept in tension while the knots are being made,

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the truncated circular cones are made of a flexible material, for example rubber.

[0063] Advantageously, the truncated circular cone shape makes it possible to ensure reinforced wedging of wires of different dimensions. In particular, the device according to the invention is configured to allow the wedging and therefore the connection of fishing lines with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.15 mm.

[0064] In order to ensure good wedging of fishing lines with a diameter ranging from 0.1 mm to 1.15 mm, the angle formed between the main plane of the main body and the small base of the truncated circular cone is greater than or equal to 3°, for example greater than or equal to 5° and less than or equal to 15°, for example less than or equal to 10°.

[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the wedging means may comprise two circular cones on either side of the main body of the device according to the invention. The two cones may be held in compression by means of a screw and a corresponding socket.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the wedging means each comprise two truncated circular cones opposed by their small base, one attached to the main body and the other independent and mounted in compression against the main body. Advantageously, such an arrangement makes it possible to ensure reinforced wedging at the level of the wedging means.

[0067] A device according to the invention with three wedging means makes it easy to make the Albright knot.

[0068] The device according to the invention makes it easy to make an Albright knot between two fishing lines.

[0069] The user can first position the leader thread, for example made of fluorocarbon or nylon, on a device according to the invention. Holding the leader with the thumb, the user winds the leader thread into the first wedging means 24.

[0070] The user wedges the leader wire by making a complete turn around the first wedging means 24. While keeping the leader wire taut, the user passes it behind the two lugs, then passes it back in front of the two lugs, and blocks it in the second wedging means 26.

[0071] Advantageously, the bottom line wire is entirely immobilized on the device according to the invention.

[0072] Second phase, the user positions the second wire, generally a braid. The user slides the braid into the loop formed by the two strands of the leader line at the two lugs. Preferably the braid protrudes by about 25 cm and the user wedges the braid into the third wedging cone 14.

[0073] The user can then make turns with the braid around the leader wire. The operation consists of winding the braid around the leader wire with the right hand, ensuring good tightening. At each pass, the braid will be kept under tension using the index finger of the left hand. The user can make approximately six turns in one direction and then start again in the other direction, tilting the braid slightly to ensure a perfect arrangement of the turns.

[0074] When the end is reached, the user takes the braid out of the fork and holds it with his thumb and passes it back through the two strands of the leader wire.

[0075] Fourth phase, the user tightens the knot. The user can separate the two wires from the device according to the invention.

[0076] With the right hand, the user takes the two strands of the braid, which he wraps around a finger. With the left hand, the user takes the leader thread and pulls until the loop of leader thread closes. The user repeats the operation a second time by pulling harder, but only grasping the strand of braid corresponding to the main line. The knot is finished, the user only has to cut the excess thread.

[0077] Regarding the excess leader thread, it is advisable to cut it flush with the knot, for example using nail clippers. There is no point in leaving it sticking out.

[0078] The risk with the Albright knot is that the excess braid cut too short will re-enter the loop of the nylon leader thread, which systematically causes the Albright knot to come undone.

[0079] The device according to the invention may further comprise a fourth wedging means 34 configured to wedging a wire in position, the fourth wedging means being located at the level of the second branch 30 and on the same side of the main plane of the main body as the third wedging means 14.

[0080] Advantageously, such a configuration of the device according to the invention makes it possible to secure the Albright node.

[0081] Indeed, it is possible to make at least one key with the excess braid. The user can raise the line on the device according to the invention, the bottom line thread is raised on the first wedging means 26 and the thread is passed behind the first lug, then in front of the second lug, and the user pulls on the line until the knot is positioned between the two lugs.

[0082] Finally, the user can lock the braid using the fourth wedging means. The line being immobilized again, the user can proceed to re- lization of the security key.

[0083] He grabs the excess braid with his right hand, holds it with his thumb, describing a loop, wraps it around the body of the line and blocks it on the other side with his index finger. He grabs the braid in the middle of the loop and closes the key.

[0084] To securely lock the key, the user can pinch the knot between two fingers and pull hard on the braid.

[0085] The device according to the invention comprising the four wedging means described above advantageously makes it possible to produce at least one other knot offering very high tensile strength, greater than that of the Albright knot and allows easier passage through the rings of the cane.

[0086] Firstly, the user positions the wires on the device according to the invention. While holding the leader wire with the thumb, the user wedges the leader wire in the first wedging means 24, then he locks the leader wire one complete turn in the wedging cone of the first wedging means. With the leader wire taut, the user can pass it behind the two lugs, then pass it back in front of the two lugs and wedge it in the second wedging means 26. The leader wire is entirely immobilized in tension on the device according to the invention. Advantageously, the user no longer has to hold the leader wire.

[0087] The second phase consists of positioning the braid. The user slides the braid between the two strands of the leader wire at the level of the lugs. He leaves at least 25 cm free and wedges the braid in the third wedging means 14.

[0088] The third phase consists of making turns. The user makes a certain number of turns, for example five turns around the two strands of the leader wire while keeping the braid under tension. He can then, while keeping the braid under tension, release the tail of the leader wire and isolate it on the other side of the fork, for example by means of the fourth wedging means.

[0089] The user can make a certain number of new turns, for example 5 turns, then 5 turns in the other direction. The user stops again to wedge the tail of the leader wire on the first wedging means. The user can resume winding for the last five turns on the two leader strands.

[0090] At this stage, the user takes the braid out of the fork, holds it with the thumb and passes it back between the two arms of the leader wire between the lugs.

[0091] The fourth phase consists of tightening the knot. The user separates the braid-leader assembly from the device according to the invention and checks that the two braid arms come out on either side of the loop of the leader wire, which is essential for securing the knot. With the right hand the user can take the two arm of the braid, which he wraps around a finger. With his left hand, he can take the arm of nylon leader thread on the excess side.

[0092] The user can then pull until the loop of the leader thread closes. He can repeat the operation a second time, but this time grasping the strand of leader thread corresponding to the leader and the strand of braid corresponding to the main line. The user can then cut the excess leader thread flush with the knot, for example using nail clippers.

[0093] The fifth phase consists of securing the knot. The user brings the line up onto the device, the leader onto the second wedging means. The user passes the line behind the first lug, then in front of the second lug, and pulls on the line until the knot is positioned between the two lugs. The user immobilizes the line on the one hand using the first wedging means for the leader and on the other hand using the fourth wedging means for the braid.

[0094] With the line once again immobilized, the user only has to proceed with making the keys. He grabs the excess braid with his right hand, holds it with his thumb, describing a loop. He wraps it around the body of the line and blocks it on the other side with his index finger. He grabs the braid in the middle of the loop and closes the key.

[0095] To lock the key securely, the user can pinch the knot between two fingers and pull the braid tightly. To secure the knot, the operation can be repeated. All that remains is to cut off the excess braid and the knot is complete.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a fifth wedging means 36 configured to wedging a wire in position, the fifth wedging means being located at the level of the second branch 30 on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body than the third wedging means 14.

[0097] Advantageously, the fifth wedging means 36 allows the creation of specific knots.

[0098] In particular, a device according to this embodiment makes it possible to make a knot that is finer than the Albright knot. Finer than the Albright knot, it allows very strong throws without risking a blockage in the rings.

[0099] The first phase of making this knot requires tying a figure-8 knot on the leader wire about 12 cm from its end. The user must then pull the braid into the first ring of the figure-8, then pull the braid out through the second ring of the figure-8. The user leaves about 25 cm of braid sticking out and closes the figure-8 knot.

[0100] The second phase consists of positioning the leader and braid assembly on the device according to the invention. The user winds the leader side wire onto the first wedging means. The user passes the wire behind the first lug, then in front of the second lug, until the knot is positioned between the two lugs. The user weds then the tail of the leader wire into the fifth wedging means. It locks the other end of the leader wire with one turn to prevent it from slackening. Finally, the user wedges the braid using the third wedging means. The leader and braid assembly are perfectly held on the device according to the invention.

[0101] The third phase consists of making the turns. The aim is to keep the braid under tension to ensure effective tightening on the leader. The user can make approximately 8 to 10 turns in one direction and the other. At this stage, while keeping the braid under tension, the user releases the braid on the line side of the third wedging means. The user lays the braid down with the excess wire from the leader and locks it in the fourth wedging means.

[0102] The fourth phase consists of locking the coils. Once the nylon knot is crossed, the user will make 3 to 4 keys which will trap the tail of the leader with the main line. The user can grab the excess braid and hold it with the thumb by describing a loop. He can then wrap it around the main line and hold it on the other side with the index finger. The user takes the braid in the middle of the loop and closes the key. To secure the knot, the user can repeat the operation three times.

[0103] Finally, to cut the excess wires, the user can leave the assembly mounted on the device, which facilitates the operation.

[0104] The device according to the invention also makes it possible to make a variant of the previous knot, but quicker to make, to be used in an emergency, on a sea hunt for example, where time is of the essence.

[0105] The first phase consists of positioning the leader on the device according to the invention. The user makes a simple knot about 12 cm from the end of the leader, then he wedges the leader on the first wedging means. He passes the leader thread behind the first lug, then in front of the second lug, until the knot is positioned between the two lugs. He wedges the tail of the leader in the fifth wedging means. He locks the leader in the wedging means with one turn to prevent it from slackening. Finally, the user positions the braid leaving about 25 cm free, and wedges it in the third wedging means.

[0106] The second phase consists of making the turns. The user positions the braid to the right of the knot, then makes a first turn by passing the braid to the left of the knot. Then, the user makes between eight and ten turns in one direction then in the other while keeping the braid under tension. Subsequently, while keeping the braid under tension, the user releases the braid on the line side of the third wedging means. He lays the braid against the excess leader and locks it in the fourth means of wedging.

[0107] The third phase consists of locking the turns. Once the knot of the leader is crossed with the excess braid, the user makes three to four keys which will trap the tail of the leader with the body of the line. The user grabs the excess braid with the right hand, I hold it with the thumb by describing a loop, wrap it around the body of the line and block it on the other side with the index finger. The user takes the braid in the middle of the loop and closes the key. To secure the knot, the user can repeat the operation three times.

[0108] To cut off excess braid and leader wire, the user can leave the assembly mounted on the device, saving a little more time.

[0109] Thus, as described above, the device according to the invention makes it possible to simply and quickly make classic Albright type knots as well as original knots having the advantages of being stronger, narrower and quicker to make.

[0110] The invention has been described above with the help of embodiments shown in the figure, without limitation of the general inventive concept.

[0111] Many other modifications and variations suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, after reflection on the different embodiments illustrated in this application.

[0112] These embodiments are given by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is determined exclusively by the claims below.

[0113] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0114] The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used. Finally, any reference used in the claims should not be interpreted as a limitation of the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for connecting together at least two fishing lines, comprising: - a main body having the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle (10) and a first and a second branch (20, 30), - a first lug (22) projecting at the end of the first branch (20), - a second lug (32) projecting at the end of the second branch (30), - a first wedging means (24) configured to wed a line in position, the first wedging means (24) being located at the first branch (20), - a second wedging means (26) configured to wed a line in position, the second wedging means (26) being located at the first branch (20), - a third wedging means (14) configured to wed a line in position, the third wedging means (14) being located at the handle of the device (10), in which the first and second wedging means (24,26) are located at the same level as the first branch (20) and on either side of the main plane of the main body.,

2. A device according to claim 1, comprising a fourth wedging means (34) configured to wedging a wire in position, the fourth wedging means being located at the second branch (30) and on the same side of the main plane of the main body as the third wedging means (14).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a fifth wedging means (36) configured to wedging a wire in position, the fifth wedging means being located at the second branch (30) on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body than the third wedging means (14).

4. Device according to claims 2 and 3, in which the fourth and fifth wedging means (34, 36) are located at the same level of the second branch (30).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sixth wedging means (16) configured to jamming a wire in position, the sixth jamming means being located at the same level of the handle (10) of the device as the third jamming means and on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body as the third jamming means (14).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second lugs (22, 32) have substantially the same dimensions.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second lugs are spaced apart by a distance greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the wedging means are formed from circular wedging cones.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the wedging means each comprises a truncated circular cone, the small base of the truncated circular cone being mounted in compression against the main body.

10. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the angle formed between the main plane of the main body and the small base of the truncated circular cone is greater than or equal to 6° and less than or equal to 15°.